Cycling in Oregon: 2,000 cyclists taking the streets

CORVALLIS, Ore. - More than 2,000 cyclists from all over the world hit the streets of Corvallis over the weekend for the Cycle Oregon Tour.

Cyclists of all ages clipped on their helmets and put their two wheels to the pavement for some serious riding during the three day event. Some of the cyclists even pitched tents on the OSU campus for the weekend.

"That's my home for the weekend," said Brett Cassidy, a cyclist from Portland. "I've been camped out here for the last 2 nights with a lot of other people obviously."

Dave Magaret, 68, rides in Cycle Oregon events every year. Magaret didn't start cycling until he was almost 50 years old. Now 20 years later, he's traveling some serious miles at the event.

"I did the medium route which is 36 miles," Magaret said.

Some cyclists not even 10 years old took some pretty serious routes without stopping on Saturday.

"Yesterday I went 22 miles," said Colin Anderson, a 9 year old from Portland.

But no matter how far they go, in the end it's about that sweet taste of accomplishment at the finish line.

"It's sort of rewarding," Magaret said. "It's pretty amazing what you can do with a bicycle going down the road."

Cycle Oregon turned a quarter of a century old this year, marking the 25th annual bike tour through the state. Within that time, Cycle Oregon has raised more than a million dollars in grants throughout Oregon.